The House Resolution urges the Louisiana Attorney General and the Department of Insurance to investigate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for potential legal violations and requests the legislature to enact laws prohibiting PBMs from owning or having financial interests in pharmacies within the state. The resolution highlights the significant influence PBMs have over drug pricing and reimbursement rates, which can disadvantage independent pharmacies and lead to higher costs for patients. It references alarming trends in other states where patients have paid more for medications through insurance than if they had paid cash, indicating systemic issues in PBM practices.

Furthermore, the resolution points to the detrimental effects of vertical integration in the pharmaceutical supply chain, which threatens the viability of community pharmacies, particularly in rural areas. It notes that recent actions in other states, such as Arkansas, have sought to address these issues by prohibiting PBM ownership of pharmacies. The resolution emphasizes the need for strong public policy to ensure fair competition and transparency in pharmaceutical practices, ultimately aiming to protect patient access to necessary medications and sustain independent pharmacies in Louisiana.